What signifies the sound of words in prayer without the affection
of the heart, and a sedulous application of the proper means that
may naturally lead us to such an end?
- Sir Roger L'Estrange

Prayer is the act by which man, detaching himself from the
embarrassments of sense and nature, ascends to the true level of
his destiny.
- Canon Henry P. Liddon

Worship is the earthly act by which we most distinctly recognize
our personal immortality; men who think that they will be extinct
a few years hence do not pray. In worship we spread out our
insignificant life, which yet is the work of the Creator's hands,
and the purchase of the Redeemer's blood, before the Eternal and
All-Merciful, that we may learn the manners of a higher sphere,
and fit ourselves for companionship with saints and angels, and
for the everlasting sight of the face of God.
- Canon Henry P. Liddon

I have been driven many times to my knees, by the overwhelming
conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and
that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.
- Abraham Lincoln

Prayer is innocence's friend; and willingly flieth incessant
'twist the earth and the sky, the carrier-pigeon of heaven.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

You know I say
Just what I think, and nothing more nor less,
And, when I pray, my heart is in my prayer.
I cannot say one thing and mean another:
If I can't pray, I will not make believe!
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Christus
(pt. III)

Let one unceasing, earnest prayer
Be, too, for light,--for strength to bear
Our portion of the weight of care,
That crushes into dumb despair
One half the human race.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Goblet of Life
(st. 10)

All places are the temple of God, for it is the mind that prays
to him.
- Menander

Not what we wish, but what we want,
Oh! let thy grace supply,
The good unask'd, in mercy grant;
The ill, though ask'd, deny.
- James Merrick, Hymn

Prayer is so mighty an instrument that no one ever thoroughly
mastered all its keys. They sweep along the infinite scale of
man's wants and God's goodness.
- Hugh Miller

In reverence will w speak of those who woo
The ear divine with clear and ready prayer;
And while their voices cleave the Sabbath air,
Know their bright thoughts are winging heavenward too.
Yet many a one,--"the latchet of whose shoe"
These might not loose--will often only dare
Lay some poor words between him and despair--
"Father, forgive! we know not what we do."
- Richard Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton

If by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will
Of him who all things can, I would not cease
To weary him with my assiduous cries;
But prayer against his absolute decree
No more avails than breath against the wind
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth:
Therefore to his great bidding I submit.
- John Milton

But that from us aught should ascend to Heav'n
So prevalent as to concern the mind
Of God, high-bless'd, or to incline His will,
Hard to belief may seem; yet this will prayer.
- John Milton, Paradise Lost
(bk. XI, l. 143)

And if by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease
To weary Him with my assiduous cries.
- John Milton, Paradise Lost
(bk. XI, l. 307)

Hear his sighs though mute;
Unskillful with what words to pray, let me
Interpret for him.
- John Milton, Paradise Lost (bk. XI, l. 31)